Schistosomiasis Diagnosis, Risk Assessment and Treatment Monitoring Based on Molecular Methods

Dear Colleagues,

Schistosomiasis is one of the most prevalent poverty-related Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs). At present, schistosome infection affects 290.8 million people in need of chemotherapy living in 78 countries located in tropical and subtropical areas. Despite several interventions along the years in endemic areas, schistosomiasis is still an urgent public health issue globally, affecting underaged children to adults. Recently, WHO’s NTD road map (2021-2030) set ambitious goals toward the control and elimination of schistosomiasis in endemic countries, in addition to the interruption of transmission in selected areas. To this end, different strategies targeting the intermediate host through snail control and definitive hosts by using sanitation, clean and safe water supply, health education, and large-scale, all-age-group extended use of anti-helminthic chemotherapy are recommended in areas of high and low endemicity. To properly assess the success (or failure) of these interventions by diagnosing active infections, detecting ‘hot-spots’, conducting risk assessments, and monitoring drug response, diagnostic approaches should fulfil some of the basic requirements such as being Affordable, Sensitive, Specific, User-friendly, Rapid and robust, Equipment-free and Deliverable to end user (ASSURED). Traditionally, the main presentations of schistosomiasis, such as intestinal and urinary infections, are diagnosed through egg detection in stool or urine. However, since parasite burden and endemicity levels may affect direct egg detection, other diagnostic tools (including molecular-based assays) have become attractive choices.

Dr. Marta Cavalcanti
Guest Editor

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• schistosomiasis
• molecular assays
• diagnosis
• risk assessment
• treatment monitoring
• assured